Page:The Lay of the Last Minstrel - Scott (1805).djvu/327

 they demanded-the knowledge of him; but as loud and noisy as he had been at leaving them, he was now become sober and silent enough; for he was never heard to speak more: and though all the time he lived, which was three days, he was entreated by all who came near him, either to speak, or, if he could not do that, to make some signs, by which they might understand what had happened to him; yet nothing intelligible could be got from him, only that, by the distortion of his limbs and features, it might be guessed that he died in agonies more than is common in a natural death.

"The Mauthe Doog was, however, never after seen in the casile, nor would any one attempt to go through that passage; for which reasén it was closed up, and another way made. This accident happened about threescore years since; and I heard it attested by several, but especially by an old soldier, who assured me he had seen it oftener than he had then hairs on his head. Description of the Isle of Man, p. 107.

This was a favourite saint of the house of Douglas, and of the Earl of Angus-in particular; as we learn from the following passage: The Queen-regent had proposed to raise a rival noble to the ducal dignity; and discoursing of her purpose with Angus, he answered, "Why not, Madam; we are happy that have such.a princess, that can know and will acknowledge